12 Best Ways To Substitute For Ricotta Cheese

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Searching for a good substitute for ricotta cheese? Keep reading to see 10 easy ingredients that can be used as ricotta substitutions in just about any recipe.

Ricotta cheese is a yummy and essential part of recipes like lasagna. However, not many people keep ricotta cheese on hand and you may find yourself needing a substitute in a pinch. Fortunately, there are a lot of substitutes for ricotta cheese that you can use that are already likely in your fridge. Before we go on, if you’re looking for ricotta cheese alternatives in recipes like lasagna, check out these 10 ways to replace ricotta cheese in lasagna.

Best Substitutes For Ricotta Cheese

If you just do not happen to have ricotta cheese in your fridge, then there are quite a few other cheeses you can use as a substitute. In fact, even if you need a vegan substitute for ricotta cheese, there are a couple of options for that as well.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese has a nice flavor similar to ricotta cheese but is denser than ricotta. It also has a different texture. When using cream cheese as a substitute for ricotta cheese, just be sure to thin it out when you are cooking. You can use some sour cream or egg to help add more moisture and thin it out. A 1:1 conversion ratio is ideal here.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has a texture that is very similar to ricotta cheese. Its flavor is mild and will not drastically change the flavor of the dish. It is also lower in calories and fat than ricotta cheese, making it a great alternative for a low fat version of any dish that calls for ricotta. You can replace ricotta cheese with cottage cheese in dishes like lasagna as a one-to-one substitution.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is the closest in flavor to ricotta cheese, except slightly more tart. However, it will not ruin any of the dishes you use it in. It is important to note that it is creamier and richer than ricotta cheese, so it will need to be thinned out. You can make a mixture of equal parts mascarpone and sour cream, or use an egg. It is possible to replace ricotta cheese with mascarpone as a one-to-one substitution.

Sour Cream

Sour cream has a similar flavor to ricotta cheese but is not the same in texture. However, it works well in many recipes as a substitute for ricotta cheese, especially in dips. It can also be mixed with some of the other ricotta cheese alternatives on this list to help thin it out and add moisture.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great low fat alternative to ricotta cheese although it is thinner. Be sure to strain it first to get it closer to the texture and consistency of ricotta cheese.

Fresh Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a good substitute for ricotta cheese as it has a similar texture to ricotta. It is important to note that if you are using goat cheese as a replacement for ricotta cheese it should be fresh, as mature goat cheese is denser and tangier.

Soft Mozzarella Cheese

Soft mozzarella cheese is similar in taste to ricotta cheese, likely due to the fact that ricotta cheese is made from the whey of mozzarella cheese. However, their texture is different. Soft mozzarella cheese is a great way to replace ricotta cheese in baked dishes, such as lasagna or pizza at a ratio of one-to-one.

Béchamel sauce

Béchamel sauce is a unique stand-in for ricotta cheese. It is a white sauce that you can add some white cheddar to and use in dishes like lasagna in place of ricotta. It has a neutral taste that will not greatly alter the flavor of the dish and has a smooth texture at a one-to-one conversion ratio.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is one of the best substitutes for ricotta cheese, partially because it is super easy to find and you are likely to already have some at home. It works best in pasta dishes and lasagna. It can also be combined with some of the other soft cheese substitutes on this list, such as mozzarella, to make a unique flavor combination. Also, check out these alternatives for Parmesan cheese.

Vegan substitutes for ricotta cheese

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream is a fine vegan substitute for ricotta cheese that is similar in flavor to ricotta cheese. It also has a good creamy texture to it that mimics the texture of ricotta cheese rather well. A one-to-one substitute is ideal here.

Soy Yogurt

Soy yogurt is another vegan substitute you can use, although it is not as close in texture to ricotta cheese as coconut cream is. However, it does have a similar sweetness as ricotta cheese. Soy yogurt is thinner than ricotta cheese, so it may need to be thickened up by straining it or combining it with another substitute. Use a one-to-one substitution.

Vegan ricotta cheese

Another good alternative to ricotta cheese is the Almond Milk Ricotta Cheese Alternative by Kite Hill which you can check out on Amazon. This substitute is dairy free, rich, and creamy and can be used in most recipes that call for ricotta like lasagna, pizza, pasta, pancakes, etc at a 1:1 substitution ratio.

FAQs about ricotta cheese substitutions

What is a substitute for ricotta cheese in spaghetti pie?

You can use cottage cheese in place of ricotta cheese in a spaghetti pie. You will however need to drain the cottage cheese as it has more moisture than ricotta.

What is a substitute for ricotta cheese on toast?

Without ricotta cheese, you can smear either soft goat cheese or cream cheese on your toast.

What is a dairy free substitute for ricotta cheese?

Some good dairy-free substitutes for ricotta cheese are tofu, coconut cream, or even your own homemade dairy free ricotta cheese.

Final thoughts

There you have it! 12 easy ricotta cheese substitutes for just about any recipe. The best part is that many of these substitutes are easily accessible or in your fridge!

12 Best Ways To Substitute For Ricotta Cheese